• Global push for climate transparency: 85% of executives plan to disclose greenhouse gas emissions despite political developments, citing the financial benefits of integrated reporting.
• Rising regulatory expectations: Executives in countries like Brazil (78%) and Singapore (80%) anticipate new or expanded ESG regulations within the next year.
• Investor demand for transparency: 96% of institutional investors agree that regulated sustainability disclosures improve investment decisions, up from 92% last year.

Executives worldwide are doubling down on sustainability commitments, with 85% planning to disclose climate-related data regardless of political or regulatory shifts, according to a recent Workiva survey of 1,600 global leaders. The survey underscores a growing belief in the financial value of integrated reporting and resilience in the face of geopolitical uncertainty.

“Leaders are no longer just reacting—they’re proactively building resilience and adaptability into their strategies,” said Mandi McReynolds, Vice President of Global ESG and Chief Sustainability Officer for Workiva.

Financial Benefits Drive Action:

Nearly all executives (97%) see value in integrated financial and ESG reporting, recognizing it as a tool to uncover performance gaps and enhance growth opportunities.

In addition to emissions, 83% of leaders intend to disclose climate-related risks, and 82% will report on material impacts of those risks. This signals a strong commitment to transparency, even amid fluctuating global politics.

Related Article: Mandi McReynolds, Chief Sustainability Officer At Workiva On Latest CSRD Regulation – ESG News

Expanding Regulations:

Executives worldwide anticipate regulatory growth:

• Brazil: 78% expect new or expanded ESG mandates.
• Singapore: 80% foresee similar developments.
• United Kingdom: 60% predict regulatory expansion.

Even in the absence of direct compliance requirements, 75% of companies plan to align their reporting with the European Union’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).

“The interplay of business performance, social impacts, and technology is not just shaping outcomes, it’s driving real, sustainable value,” McReynolds added.

Investor Confidence:

Institutional investors increasingly favor regulated sustainability disclosures, with 96% agreeing these disclosures lead to more informed decisions, up from 92% in 2023.

With inflation, interest rates, and policy changes poised to influence business reporting, the results highlight a future where sustainability and financial strategies are deeply intertwined. A detailed analysis of these trends will be unveiled in Workiva’s 2025 Executive Benchmark Survey, set for release in February 2025.

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